I found this in a Dec 2000 edition of Rifle Shooter, in an article by Wayne van Zwoll on pages 60 thru 63....

As I had originally thought, the best velocity and great accuracy was with RL 7... and a 180 grain Ballistic Tip...

anyway

42gr RL 7....2745 fps 180 gr BTip
42.9 gr RL 7.. 2815 fps 180 gr BTip

IMR 3031.. 180 gr Ballistic Tip
47 grs> 2767 fps
IMR 4895.. 180 gr Ballistic Tip
49 grs> 2805 fps
IMR 4198.. 180 gr Ballistic tip
41 grs> 2720 fps

49 gr BLC 2.. 180 B/Tip....2600 fps

45 gr. AA 2230...180 B/Tip....2665 fps

46 gr AA 2460... 180 B/Tip.....2740 fps

49 gr IMR 4320.. 180 B/Tip...2700 fps

46 gr H 322... 180 gr B/TIP... 2775 fps

46 gr Benchmark.. 180 gr B/Tip...2690 fps


200 grain Hornady's SP...

47gr AA 2520... 2555 fps

47 gr BLC 2....2415 fps

48 gr IMR 4064....2645 fps

49 gr W 748....2535 fps

47 gr Varget...2505 fps


200 grain Ballistic Tip
46 gr.. IMR 4895...2615 fps
44 gr H 322..2610 fps

The featured rifle was done by Charlie Sisk, who lurks in the AR world here...he reported a group of .218 with a load of 42.9 grs of RL 7, Fed 210M primers, and an OAL of 2.850 with 180 grain Ballistic Tips....not too shabby...

just passing this on to those that might be interested...

I myself, think I will play with some RL 7 in my 338/06 just for the fun of it...

I have played with lighter loads to duplicate the old 33 Winchester, using SR 4759... up to 35 grains, with very very accurate results...MV in the 2250 to 2400 fps range...with 200 grain Ballistic tips...

cheers and happy new year to everyone..
seafire

Thanks, saved it for future reference. Leaning to the Ruger single shot, as IF I think I ever need more powder behind it, I can rechamber to '06 version. Not planning it, but it is an option in that rifle.

The round really does 'fit' in a short action rifle, making a bolt a natural..a Tikka would be reasonable, but the Sako would be preferred, albeit at a much higher price. If I get to the Orlando SHOT show in 2 weeks, I will check the new 85's out.